114 Hospitality Students From Migori, Nyamira, And Kisii Graduate From TTRF Program In Kisii County
The Mt Kenya Times 
By Elizabeth Angira
A group of 114 hospitality students from Migori, Nyamira, and Kisii counties graduated from the Tourism Training Revolving Fund (TTRF) hospitality-training program in Kisii County this past weekend.
The TTRF program aims to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge to enhance their employability in the rapidly growing tourism and hospitality sectors in the Nyanza region.
The graduates were awarded certificates after completing an intensive two-week hospitality management course at Kisii National Polytechnic.
The program was facilitated by the institute and the Tourism Fund Board of Trustees.
Key officials present at the ceremony included Tourism Fund Director Mr. Silas Tochim, Chief Principal of Kisii National Polytechnic Mr. Tom Mulati, and TTRF Manager Mr. Enoch Chebii.
Mr. Mulati praised the collaboration between the Tourism Fund and Kisii National Polytechnic, emphasizing the importance of building capacity and providing opportunities for young Kenyans through the TTRF initiative.
“The graduates are now equipped with vital hospitality management skills that will enhance their employability and contribute to the growth of the local and national tourism industry,” he stated.
Mr. Tochim highlighted the TTRF initiative’s focus on addressing skill gaps in the hospitality industry while offering financially disadvantaged students access to quality education.
“This rigorous training program marks a significant milestone for the local workforce in the hospitality industry, equipping participants with essential skills needed to thrive in the sector,” he said.
The TTRF initiative specifically targets vulnerable students who face financial barriers to pursuing further education in the hospitality sector, providing them with the skills necessary to succeed.
“The primary objective of the Revolving Fund is to provide loans to Kenyan students, helping them pursue higher education and bolster capacity building within the tourism industry,” explained Mr. Chebii.
This financial support is critical for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, enabling them to access opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sectors while contributing to the industry’s overall development.
“Building a skilled workforce, the TTRF is keen to help strengthen Kenya’s tourism sector and boost local economies,” Mr. Tochim added.
Mr. Chebii also outlined that the TTRF would function as a loan scheme similar to the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), offering financial assistance to students pursuing courses in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
“This initiative is designed to ease the burden of tuition and other educational expenses for students,” he said.
The TTRF’s repayment model, similar to HELB, will allow students to pay back the loan once they are employed, empowering them with education now while supporting their future careers.
With Kisii County serving as a hub for economic activity and located near major tourist attractions such as the Maasai Mara, Lake Victoria, and the Tabaka Kisii soapstone carvings, the graduates are expected to contribute significantly to the hospitality industry’s development.
The program focused on practical training in customer service, culinary arts, hotel management, and event planning, providing a strong foundation for the graduates to enter various roles in the sector.
The trainees, led by Edna Kerubo and Evans Wagunda, praised the TTRF program for its practical approach and high-quality instruction.
“We are happy with the program’s hands-on training, which prepared us for real-world challenges in the industry,” said Kerubo.
Wagunda also expressed gratitude, noting that the program was particularly impactful for students facing financial constraints.
“For those of us who struggled financially, this program provided an opportunity for education and certification that we might not have been able to afford otherwise,” he said.
The trainees hope that more young Kenyans will benefit from similar programs, recognizing their critical role in developing a skilled workforce for Kenya’s growing tourism industry.
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